Last Modified: Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 4:54 p.m.

Minges founded Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Tuscaloosa that year, and during his 40-year stint at the head of the bottling and distribution company, “Mr. Ed” had successfully introduced the soft drink to West Alabama, said his son, Billy Minges.

The elder Minges died Wednesday at 87.

At the close of World War II, Coca-Cola was the drink of choice for most Americans, especially in the Southeast.

“Some people at the time were insulted that he would even try to sell them a Pepsi,” Billy Minges said. “Coke was here, and it was a tough nut to crack, but we eventually outsold them.”

<p>TUSCALOOSA | When Edwin Lester Minges came to Tuscaloosa in 1946, Pepsi Cola was not available here. He changed that.</p><p>Minges founded Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Tuscaloosa that year, and during his 40-year stint at the head of the bottling and distribution company, Mr. Ed had successfully introduced the soft drink to West Alabama, said his son, Billy Minges.</p><p>The elder Minges died Wednesday at 87.</p><p>At the close of World War II, Coca-Cola was the drink of choice for most Americans, especially in the Southeast.</p><p>Some people at the time were insulted that he would even try to sell them a Pepsi, Billy Minges said. Coke was here, and it was a tough nut to crack, but we eventually outsold them.</p><p>A graveside service will be 3 p.m. today at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park.</p>